Truce stared at Anna as she stood in his waiting room, obviously impressed, she wrung the golden rope of her blue handbag for lack of words to say. She had come to return his watch at his mansion.
He looked past her, grateful that cousin of hers didn't escort her. She looked so beautiful, and thought she'd even look more beautiful without her dress. He arrested that thought immediately.
He wound his hand through his hair. The thought of her was making him go crazy.
"Anna…" He breathed out in a desperate voice, like a plea. She stiffened, swallowing convulsingly.
Her response to him was a soft rumbling of her stomach, that didn't miss his ears. He smiled softly as she looked away, clearly embarrassed.
"Join me... for a late lunch, I'm also hungry." He said, stretching out his hand toward her. She was reluctant, but the gentle smile on his face assured her.
She slipped her cool, soft hands into his, and both of them instantly felt electricity rush under their skin, through the touch. He glanced at her, who widened her eyes at the shock, then held her hand firmly, afraid she'd pull back, he directed them to a large dining room on the other side of the ground floor.
"Oh…my god." Anna's attention left the big, warm feel of his manicured hand, and was drawn to the dining.
If she thought she would spend her days in the lobby behind them, this space of heaven was even better.
Truce smiled, satisfied at her reaction. Wait till you see my room. His smile faltered, and he hardened at the lustful thought.
The dining room was spacious with high ceilings and two drooping chandeliers. The walls matched the lobby's. Tall windows lined one side of the room, offering a breathtaking landscape. The windows were dressed in opulent dark drapes that pooled on the floor.
Fire crackled in a massive fireplace. The floor was polished dark wood, as they walked to a beautifully crafted dining table that could seat twenty people.
"Are you the only one living out here?" She blurted out innocently, taking the seat he pulled out for her.
He smiled at her childish trust as he took his seat beside her, then snapped his fingers at the maid who stood silently at the door, replying Anna.
"Except for my helpers, I'm pretty sure I'm the only one living here."
The maid scurried off into the kitchen as Anna poked at the set of fine China, crystal glasses and silverware that lined the long table.
Serving dishes were brought in, and Truce gracefully shook out his napkin and placed it on his lap. Anna nervously did so as well.
A man walked in, a spotless apron was tied expertly around him, with a white towel, draping over his broad shoulders. His slick hair was held back, and a golden earring dangled in his left ear. He looked like his profession alright. Anna was amazed.
"Anna, this is chef Francois. He'll be taking care of our meals." Truce's eyes stayed on her as he rasped, introducing the chef. There was a glint of passion in her dark eyes.
"Good evening, mademoiselle, Master Avidon." He bowed curtly as he spoke in a warm, salty voice.
"It's an honour to serve you tonight. I have-eh prepared a culinary journey that will delight your senses and satisfy your refined tastes." As he spoke, two maids, dressed in identical outfits placed their first dish before them
"May I present the menu–" Annoyed at Anna's concentration on the chef, Truce held a hand to him.
Anna, who was entranced at his voice, paused, and looked at Truce with confusion written all over her face.
"Let's eat Anna, I fear you're not going to end up eating the food as you're delightly swallowing his words." She ginned, blushing a deep pink. Was that jealousy in his words?
"No, I'm not," she muttered under her breath.
She glanced awkwardly at the dish before her. Chef Francois noticed, and quickly blurted.
"Seared scallops au gratin with truffle oil and microgreens, mademoiselle."
"Mmmm." She moaned in delight, causing a stern stare from Truce to the chef as she ate, oblivious of his reaction. Chef Francois stifled a chuckle.
The maids took out the appetizer, and dropped the main course in front of them.
"Pan-roasted duck breast au poivre, and grand mariner reduction with wild rice pilaf."
At the end of the meal, Anna dapped her napkin at the corners of her mouth. If she wasn't already so full, she would've stuffed the remaining chocolate souffle, but resisted the idea.
Truce watched her with keen interest, as he leaned his head on his hand, studying her. He didn't touch his dessert.
"I've never seen a woman with a sailor's appetite before." He said, and Anna paused, before smiling at him.
"The food was lovely. You have a wonderful chef, sir." She quickly announced, in a bid to dissolve his idea of a sailor's appetite in her appraisal.
"I imagine he'd like to hear that from you more than anything. I'll pass your message along." He rose to his feet.
Anna swiftly took out the watch, and gave it to him. He stared at it, then at her.
"This was your chance to get away from me. Why didn't you just sell it?" He asked, searching her face for any trace of truth.
The question caught her off guard and she replied honestly. "The thought did cross my mind many times, but that would be very rude, and far too impolite, considering your timely interventions on my behalf."
There was a small pause as she remembered the cash. "And thank you for the money as well. I'd rather enjoy the pleasure of your company than risk offending you with my selfish behaviors." She scratched the back of her head nervously.
He was surprised at her. He didn't know if that was foolishness or the purest conscience he'd seen in a long time. Not many girls were this honest. Did she think he was going to be all sweet and rosy when they began living together?
"Hmm. Take a walk with me. Will you?" He suddenly asked from nowhere
"Uh... yeah, sure." Anna said.
He ordered a thick coat to be brought for her, then they walked out the door, in an uneasy silence and moved towards a colourful, well manicured garden.
The air was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. Trees stood tall with their almost empty branches, their leaves a riot of deep crimson, burnt orange and golden hues.
A thought crossed Anna's mind and her heart ached. This place is surely too large for one man to live in. Didn't he feel lonely?
As if sensing her thoughts, he said, breaking the silence in a low voice. "I've acquired a few properties over the years and I work myself to the bone. I just come here to rest a little and clear my head before returning to work."
The gardens pathway were carpeted by the rustling of fallen leaves, crunching beneath their feet as they wandered through the beds. The flowers were mostly faded, but a few hardy souls still bloomed.
Clear his head? "I see. Must be tiresome for you, with all these responsibilities," she said and he grinned at her. If only she knew. Then he drove into the question of the evening.
"Tell me about yourself Anna." He began.
"About myself, well, there's nothing much to it."
They settled into a bench in a rustic arbor stand. The wooden latticework were adorned with vines and climbers, their leaves turned brilliant shades of red and gold.
"Grew up with my uncle and his family, became a teacher and now..." She didn't know if she would openly accept the diagnosis that was about to end her life.
"Interesting. Tell me about this uncle of yours. What about your parents?" He asked quizzically, she shuddered. She hated her uncle and didn't like talking about her mom.
"Uh, didn't know my father. Mom never really talked about him." She lowered her eyes and gulped nervously. Truce could see her struggle but he remained silent.
"My uncle's wealth and power are matched only by his wife's influence over him, he only listens to her." She said and looked away. Truce raised an amused eyebrow, wondering just how much she covered the whole truth.
"What about your love interests? Did any one of them ever lead to marriage?" He said, sliding his hand into his pockets.
She chuckled, "I've only know jerks so far in my life." The wind ruffled her hair and she pushed it back.
"Must have been tough life for you, Anna." He tilted her face toward him with a finger and she looked up, into his eyes. Her dark pupils shifted nervously and her lips opened slightly. There was fear loaming in her eye, he was lost in them for a moment.
She pulled away from his touch, standing up and moving away from him. She couldn't understand why he acted like a father; it made her uneasy.
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Cliff couldn't wait for Tanya to be done with her session before closing up. He tried Sasha's number so many times but it didn't go through.
He couldn't help but throw glances at Tanya's poses for the cameras, then acted like he didn't care as long as she satisfied the thirst of the photographers and potential customers. They were showcasing the new line of their latest design; Cliff knew Tanya was the best at what she did, that's why he didn't let her go yet, but his heart still ached from the hurt that lingered.
When all was done, he locked up and proceeded to his car, where he saw her, waiting by his car. He moved close.
"Cliff, I–" he didn't want to listen to her warm, velvety voice, afraid he would slid into her trap again.
"You did good today, T." His voice was curt and efficient, hinting that he had nothing else than work related talk for her. "Have a nice day."
"Would you just listen to me!" She said through gritted teeth, careful for her voice.
"No, no I wouldn't." He said coolly and stared at her, he felt something stir and was rising through him.
"Why?" She yelled at him finally, and Cliff straightened out. Had she always acted like a spoilt child? "Because I don't want to. I've heard enough from you, T... goodnight."
With that, he opened his car door, pushing her aside, and stepped in.
It was sundown when he reached the apartment. He saw Anna's text and tried calling her. The number was out of coverage. He refused to worry about anything, knowing she intentionally shut him out.
He rolled his eyes when he remembered Truce. Must be caught in his web already, he snorted. Women!
He was furiously whipping eggs in his kitchen, when Sasha knocked at the door.
She was dressed in sultry black leather dress that hugged all the right curves on her body. She smiled at him.
"Hey, heard you missed me at work."
"Oh.... Shoot me" He muttered under his breath, jawdropped at her body, he clearly didn't hear what she said.